Struggles of ranching in Routt County

Rancher Mary Murphy sits on a four-wheeler on her ranch west of Hayden. Murphy is plenty tough enough to tackle the rugged chores that must be done on a ranch but also shows a maternal touch while checking on the newborns.

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Ranchers and farmers on Colorado’s Western Slope are confronted with the likelihood of a second straight season of extreme drought. And if their hay fields aren’t more productive this summer than last, they might be forced to sell some of their mother cows to avoid paying more than twice what they are accustomed to.